I Samuel 18-19

“And David was prospering in all his ways for the Lord was with him” (18:14).  David had some obvious natural gifts: he was handsome, a skilled musician, a good warrior.  But he would not have prospered without God’s Spirit and favor.  Samuel anointed him as king according to God’s decree, and David’s first exploit (defeating Goliath) was based on faith.  God demonstrated His own power, not David’s, by making Saul’s search party (and Saul himself) helpless under the power of the Spirit (19:23).

David’s victories weren’t for himself alone.  His life taught Israel (and us) that we serve “the living God” who is powerful to save (17:26).